Limerick Minors open campaign in impressive style

Limerick got the defence of their All-Ireland Minor Camogie title off to the best possible start with an emphatic 2-10 to 0-3 win over Dublin in Kilmallock on Sunday.

Dublin have been strong in under age competitions in recent years so a tough challenge was anticipated but it never really materialised as a comprehensive display from Limerick saw them dominate from the beginning. Indeed such was their dominance that Dublin did not manage a single score from play in the entire match.

Rebecca Noonan opened Limerick's scoring from a 45 which she followed with a point from play. Sophie O'Callaghan and a Rebecca Noonan free gave Limerick a four point lead when Dublin opened their account on the quarter hour mark with a Catherine Costelloe free.

Limerick responded well when Caoimhe Lyons broke past her markers to get the game's first goal. Dublin did have chances in the half but some excellent goalkeeping by Laura O'Neill denied them.

Rebecca Noonan added three more points before half-time the last being an exceptional bit of skill as she won the ball on the wing and soloed in towards goal striking the ball off the stick to leave the score at the break Limerick 1-7 Dublin 0-1.

The goal was over as a contest immediately after half-time when a Rebecca Noonan free dipped under the cross bar for Limerick's second goal.

Dublin had to go looking for goals but with the Limerick defence in parsimonious mood their efforts were in vain. Dublin did add a couple of frees from Alex Griffin and Catherine Costelloe but a point from play from Caoimhe Lyons and a brace from Aisling Scully sealed an emphatic victory by 2-10 to 0-3.

There will be tougher challenges ahead but Limerick have laid down a marker that they will not be handing over their title easily.